noun
vocation
voh-KAY-shun/vəʊˈkeɪʃn/
An occupation felt to suit a person's abilities or purpose in life.
The violin maker practices her vocation by carefully fitting the instrument's bridge.
Etymology
A vocation was first a spiritual calling or summons to an activity. That sense broadened to one's occupation, while calling still suggests work one feels especially drawn or suited to.
In context
to batter down City walls and burn dwellings and kill men this is the true vocation of a hero and a conqueror
More examples
- After trying several jobs, he found his vocation in teaching.
- For Maria, restoring old furniture is a vocation, not just a paycheck.
- The counselor helps students explore vocations that suit their talents.
Forms
vocation · vocations
vocational adjective — Relating to training for a particular occupation.
Similar words
- calling
- Emphasizes a strong inner urge to pursue particular work.
- profession
- Emphasizes specialized training rather than personal suitability or purpose.
- career
- Emphasizes a working life over time rather than personal suitability.